In the context of the Bible, the concept of being criticized often relates to the experiences of biblical figures who faced opposition, rebuke, or judgment from others. Criticism can be seen as a test of faith, character, and obedience to God. Throughout Scripture, various individuals and groups faced criticism, both just and unjust, and their responses provide valuable lessons for believers.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: Moses, the leader of the Israelites, faced criticism from his own people on multiple occasions. In Exodus 16:2-3, the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing dissatisfaction with their circumstances in the wilderness. Despite the criticism, Moses remained steadfast in his leadership, seeking God's guidance and provision for the people.

2. Job: The account of Job is a profound example of a righteous man who faced severe criticism from his friends. In Job 4-5, Eliphaz criticizes Job, suggesting that his suffering must be a result of sin. Job's friends continue to criticize him throughout the book, yet Job maintains his integrity and ultimately receives vindication from God (Job 42:7-9).

3. David: King David experienced criticism from various sources, including his own family. In 2 Samuel 6:16, Michal, David's wife, criticized him for his exuberant worship as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David's response highlights his devotion to God over the opinions of others (2 Samuel 6:21-22).

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus Christ: Jesus faced constant criticism from the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees and Sadducees often challenged His teachings and actions. In Matthew 12:24, the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Jesus responded with wisdom, revealing the truth of His divine authority and mission.

2. The Apostles: The early apostles, including Peter and Paul, faced criticism and persecution for their preaching of the Gospel. In Acts 4:1-3, Peter and John were criticized and arrested by the religious authorities for proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. Despite the criticism, they continued to preach boldly, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

3. Paul: The Apostle Paul frequently encountered criticism from both Jews and Gentiles. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul acknowledges that some criticized his speaking abilities and physical presence. Paul responded by emphasizing the power of God working through him, rather than relying on human approval (2 Corinthians 10:17-18).

Biblical Principles on Handling Criticism

1. Seek God's Approval: Believers are encouraged to prioritize God's approval over human criticism. In Galatians 1:10, Paul writes, "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

2. Respond with Grace: The Bible teaches believers to respond to criticism with grace and humility. In Colossians 4:6, Paul advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

3. Discernment and Wisdom: Not all criticism is unjust; believers are called to discern and learn from constructive criticism. Proverbs 15:31 states, "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise."

4. Endurance in Faith: Criticism can serve as a test of faith, prompting believers to rely on God's strength. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider trials, including criticism, as opportunities for growth and perseverance.

In summary, the Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on how to handle criticism. Whether facing unjust accusations or constructive feedback, believers are called to respond with grace, seek God's approval, and grow in wisdom and faith.

Detailed Contents
... disciples meant,. The Ransom saying: Its historical context, Its interpretation "
(a) Hellmann's view criticized, (b) Wendt's. Clue to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/detailed contents.htm

Introductory
... The difference might be put in many ways; but perhaps it may be best expressed by
saying that, while you are among the critics, we are among the criticized. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture i introductory.htm

Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
... His rhetoric has been criticized for floridness and sensationalism, but his word
pictures held multitudes of people spellbound as in the presence of a master. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/talmage a bloody monster.htm

What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus
... by Jesus. Thus the miracles ascribed to Jesus are criticized away without
difficulty, as the imputation of sentimental belief. A ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/iii what we can say.htm

The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley
... was fond. He dissected, criticized, mocked at, and misunderstood them with
conscious but entertaining perversity. Nevertheless, he ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the recall to religion in.htm

To his Praise!
... Missionaries, especially we missionary women, know only too well how we are criticized
in the matter of dress, when in the homeland and when traveling. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/ix to his praise.htm

Kingo's Psalmbook
... Though Kingo might reasonably have been criticized for adopting such a proportionally
large number of his own compositions, it was not, however, his selection ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter five kingos psalmbook.htm

Brorson's Swan-Song
... While praised by some, he is severely criticized by others as unfit both
by ability and temperament for the high office he occupied. ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter ten brorsons swan-song.htm

Social Joys of Heaven.
... our part. Even our holiest actions are criticized, and unworthy motives,
which never entered our minds, are attributed to us. Then ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xi social joys of.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
... The internal evidence shows that it must belong to the time of the apostles, for
the errors which are criticized in it are different from the Ebionite ideas ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xii the epistle of.htm

Criticized (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Criticized (2 Occurrences). Acts 11:2 When Peter
had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision ...
/c/criticized.htm - 6k

Prisoner (87 Occurrences)
... In the monarchical period, prophets who criticized the throne were put in prison,
eg Micaiah by Ahab (1 Kings 22:27), Hanani by Asa (2 Chronicles 16:10). ...
/p/prisoner.htm - 42k

Criticize (2 Occurrences)

/c/criticize.htm - 6k

Croak (1 Occurrence)

/c/croak.htm - 7k

Asa (54 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 15:16-22). This lack of faith in Yahweh was severely criticized
by Hanani the prophet. Asa, instead of listening patiently ...
/a/asa.htm - 29k

Prison (131 Occurrences)
... In the monarchical period, prophets who criticized the throne were put in prison,
eg Micaiah by Ahab (1 Kings 22:27), Hanani by Asa (2 Chronicles 16:10). ...
/p/prison.htm - 52k

Shebna (9 Occurrences)
... him. Another explanation is put forward by K. Fullerton in AJT, IX,
621-42 (1905) and criticized by E. Konig in X, 675-86 (1906). ...
/s/shebna.htm - 20k

Beatitudes
... The Beatitudes have often been criticized as holding up an ideal of which limitation,
privation and self-renunciation are the essence, and which lacks those ...
/b/beatitudes.htm - 16k

Ministry (44 Occurrences)
... Thessalonica to `cherish prophesyings' (1 Thessalonians 5:20), and those in Rome
to make full use of prophecy (Romans 12:6). If he criticized somewhat severely ...
/m/ministry.htm - 51k

Hebrews (24 Occurrences)
... starts with the same tradition, but he knew, moreover, that other churches did not
accept the Alexandrian view, and that they even criticized Alexandria for ...
/h/hebrews.htm - 70k

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